In Despair

Christmas can be a difficult time for people who are hurting or grieving. In the 1860s, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow had reason to despair: America was at war with itself, his son was severely wounded in battle, and his wife died in a fire.  The first Christmas after his wife’s death, Longfellow wrote, “How inexpressibly sad are all holidays.”

Three years later, on Christmas Day 1864, Longfellow penned a poem that later became the song “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”  The lyrics move from despair to hope — and, thanks to Jesus, so can we.

     And in despair I bowed my head.

There is no peace on earth, I said!
     For hate is strong, and mocks the song

     of peace on earth, good will to men!

     Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

     God is not dead, nor doth he sleep!

     The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

    with peace on earth, good will to men!